7 Best Comfortable Running Shoes in 2024

We crowned Deviate Nitro 2 as the best overall among comfortable running shoes because literally — it can do it all! It kept our runs breezy as we sank into its delightful foam. From burning daily mileage to speed intervals — this carbon-plated shoe supported every kind of run we had.

We felt relaxed running in this pair as our feet were planted on a pillowy foam 32.2% softer than average (based on our durometer in the lab). It absorbed much of the impact of our landings, avoiding the bruised feeling after an intense workout.

Even with the soft foam, we didn’t struggle to pick up the pace. We tested its flexibility in the lab using the 90° test and it emerged a whopping 91.5% stiffer than average! This stiffness generated the immediate and vibrant energy we received every time we lifted our feet.

This shoe kept our runs airy as we felt the wind even on summer days. The shoe scored 4/5 in our lab smoke test, which means that its upper is very breathable — adding to the comfort we felt in our runs.

Deviate Nitro 2’s midsole width is 111.2 mm, 1.6 mm shy of the 112.8 mm average. This pair may not be the best option for wide feet.

Our lab and field tests agree - Novablast 4 belongs to the cream of the crop, deserving the best daily trainer title among the most comfortable running shoes. It oozes delightful comfort and enough spring to take us to any distance we want and at any pace.

Our feet are spoiled with plush foam! We feel great from short to long distances and even on slower to quicker paces with the peppy FF Blast+ ECO foam. In the lab, we pressed into its cushion using a durometer and it emerged 28.7% softer than average. Not only is it soft, but rises to an above-average stack height of 39.2/30.2 mm! Our feet are protected no matter where we land.

Despite its monstrous build, it gives us a sense of sure-footedness since the height is offset by a vast platform. Its wide, and therefore stable, midsole keeps our feet from toppling over while having a bouncy run.

Novablast 4 feels surprisingly light at 9.1 oz (259g), even if it didn’t look that way. On average, daily trainers weigh 9.8 oz (279g). Adding to the fluid feeling is the unresisting midsole, which our bend test confirms to be 13.5% more flexible than average.

What didn’t feel so airy was the mesh upper. With a subpar breathability score of 3/5, it lacks ventilation for warm summer runs. 

Staying true to its name, Metaspeed Edge+ gave us the extra edge to power through our fastest runs. It’s amazing how exceptionally responsive the midsole was in our runs while keeping a light and fresh feeling on our feet.

Every time we put our foot down, the shoe would return a vibrant energy immediately. This kept our momentum strong and encouraged a higher cadence — all leading to a faster pace with less effort. In the lab, we couldn’t resist checking with our 90° bend test and this shoe resisted with a force 105.9% stiffer than average.

It was delightful to run with a lighter shoe at only 7.34 oz (208g) vs. the average of lab-tested shoes at 9.45 oz (268g). It’s even lighter than other highly cushioned and plated racers (7.41 oz. or 210g).

This is by far one of the most breathable shoes we’ve tried — scoring a perfect score in our breathability test in the lab. We ran with confidence, knowing we wouldn’t have any encounters with blisters or hotspots.

With an outsole that’s thinner (by 38.2%) and softer (by 18.6%) than average, we recommend saving this racer for priority competitions.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 exceeds the traditional stability shoe by proving that comfort and stability can blend together. Our runs remain relaxed and fuss-free with its flexible nature, balanced cushion, and ultra-breathable upper. It only has subtle rigid elements that provide low-key support without being too intrusive. The lab results and our actual runs both show it offers the best stability among comfortable running shoes.

This model features Brooks’ GuideRails technology — positioned on the sides of the heel for added support. This stiffness is complemented by a flexible and uncomplicated midsole that flows with our movements. Our flex test confirms it’s 41.2% more adaptive than average.

Adrenaline GTS 23 delivers steady landings with its vast platform and balanced cushion. With our trusty caliper, we measured the midsole 4.2/6.9 mm wider than average in the forefoot and heel. Meanwhile, the foam feels soft without bottoming out. Our durometer validates this with a 19.5 HA measurement vs. the 23.9 HA average.

The upper shines in breathability as it received the highest score in our lab test. Under the microscope, it has large ventilation holes that allow us to feel the breeze on our toes.

With subtle stability elements, this pair is more suited to mild overpronators. Extreme overpronators may need more support.

The iconic Ultraboost Line, on its 23rd version, is now called the Adidas Ultraboost Light. It is the perfect shoe for people with wide feet due to its spacious forefoot, comfortable and cushioned midsole, and stable platform. Because of these, the Adidas Ultraboost Light sits on top of our list for the best comfortable running shoes for wide feet.

We measured the Ultraboost Light’s toebox at its widest point to be 102.9 mm, definitely a lot roomier than the 97.9 mm average width of road running shoes. The knit upper is very stretchy and wraps itself around our feet creating a comfortable and secure fit.

At a decent 30.1 mm, the shoe’s heel stack is a bit below average (30.1 mm vs 33.2 mm), yet it provides ample cushioning underfoot. With our durometer, we measured the midsole to be 36.73% softer than the average, perfect for providing comfort during mile munching. 

The Ultraboost Light is pretty stable underfoot mostly due to a wide base. Its forefoot width is 117 mm, 4.2 mm wider than the average of road running shoes. At the heel, we measured it to be 93.7 mm–3.8 mm more than the average. Despite a high stack height, every step felt planted and solid. 

Despite the name, it is not quite up to par with other light shoes. Tipping the scales at 305g (10.75 oz), it is actually quite heavy compared to the average of 268g (9.45 oz). 

We found our ultimate comfortable shoe for the trails in the form of ASICS Trabuco Max 3. It delivers exceptional cushioning and unmatched comfort in our runs without compromising stability. Our lab results confirm the plush FF Blast+ foam is a high-mileage enthusiast’s dream, with subtle support features as the cherry on top.

Max 3’s traction leaves no room for doubt as it exhibits a forceful hold on various trails we tested. It features 4.0 mm lugs that give us extra control on inclined trails. In addition, the midsole has sidewalls for subtle guidance to avoid unwanted movements and a rocker geometry to encourage smooth forward movements. We’re really impressed with this maximalist’s stability.

Moving on to its main source of comfort: the thick slab of foam absorbed much of the beating of long miles. We couldn’t ask for more plushness with its superior combination of height and softness. Our lab numbers confirm one of the highest we’ve recorded at 42.4/33.9 mm, while the foam emerged 29.3% softer than average. No matter where we land, we’re met with cushioning that erases any harshness of the ground.

Unfortunately, the jacquard mesh upper lacks ventilation for warmer seasons, receiving a low 2/5 breathability score in the lab. Those who prioritize airflow should bid Trabuco Max 3 goodbye.

Based on our runs and lab tests, Axon 3 is a versatile daily trainer that highlights comfort and durability. What seals the deal is it's a solid performer for only £110 vs. the £140 average of its counterparts. As a light, cushioned, and high-quality trainer, it's our top comfortable budget shoe.

The ride feels smooth with the thick cushion, which our durometer shows is 18.3 HA, 22.5% softer than average. It's highly comfortable for burning daily mileage. Its above-average stack dampens landing impact, especially in the forefoot which stands 3.2 mm taller than average.

Adding to the comfort is its lightness on foot. For a cushioned shoe, we’re surprised it’s only 8.6 oz (244g) vs. the 9.4 oz (266g) average of road-running shoes. This makes it easier for us to pick up the pace when we want to.

Axon 3 provides us with a long-lasting and grippy outsole. Our caliper shows its 3.9 mm Carbon Rubber is 21.9% thicker than average, while our durometer shows a slightly above-average hardness to balance grip and sturdiness. Putting it against our relentless Dremel, Axon 3 surpassed the average, showing Saucony’s efforts to ensure durability.

We found that the shoe is quite stiff, both torsionally and longitudinally, for a daily trainer. Those who prioritize flexibility should check other options.